Korean J Urol.  2003 Dec;44(12):1220-1224.

Biofeedback and Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Patients with Intractable Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

• Yang SK
• Sung WS
• Chung H
• Kim TW
• Kim HS
• Lho YS

Abstract

PURPOSE: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CPPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by pelvic pain and voiding symptoms. Pelvic floor tension myalgia is hypothesized to be a contributing factor in CPPS. The therapeutic effect of biofeedback and electrical stimulation for CPPS was evaluated prospectively.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirteen patients with CPPS intractable to conventional medication were enrolled. The patients were treated by domestic KontinenceTM equipment 2 times a week for 6 weeks. Patients completed the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index(NIH-CPSI) before and after treatment.
RESULTS
The average score for all 3 domains in NIH-CPSI significantly decreased. Pain domain decreased from 12.9+/-3.4 to 9.8+/-1.7(p=0.002), voiding symptoms from 4.5+/-1.6 to 3.2+/-0.9(p=0.006), and impact plus quality of life from 7.3+/-2.2 to 4.7+/-1.5(p=0.003).
CONCLUSIONS
Biofeedback with electrical stimulation therapy can provide significant improvement in CPPS intractable to medication. Large, randomized trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Keyword

Pelvic pain; Biofeedback; Electrical stimulation; Prostatitis

MeSH Terms

Biofeedback, Psychology*
Electric Stimulation Therapy*
Electric Stimulation*
Humans
Myalgia
Pelvic Floor
Pelvic Pain*
Prospective Studies
Prostatitis
Quality of Life